21 ways to fall asleep quickly and naturally

Exercise can increase the duration and quality of sleep by boosting the production of serotonin in the brain and decreasing levels of cortisol, the stress hormone . It can even be used to improve chronic sleep disorders, such as insomnia . Some studies have shown that regular naps that are long , and late may lead to poor nighttime sleep quality and even sleep deprivation . Irregular light exposure can lead to the disruption of circadian rhythms, making it harder to fall asleep and stay awake . Determinants involved in the regulation of sleep are the homeostatic and circadian processes. Despite being highly regulated, sleep is fragile, and its stages and duration may be affected by multiple factors, such as age, drugs, temperature, and medical and psychiatric disease.

A study of 24 young adults demonstrated that sedative music promoted deeper sleep . While naps of short duration have been linked to improvements in alertness and well-being, there are mixed opinions about the effects of napping on nighttime sleep. However, the inability to fall back asleep can ruin a good night’s rest . Lastly, mindfulness may help you maintain focus on the Ambiance present, worry less while falling asleep, and even function better during the day .

This release boosts good feelings, which are instrumental in creating a sleep-inducing environment. Binaural beats are fundamentally a phenomenon created by your brain. If you listen to two different tones in each ear, your brain will perceive an additional tone. As for some noise-free ways to get to sleep, consider "using ear plugs , blocking sound with heavy drapes or other sound-proofing materials, or using noise-canceling headphones," MacDowell says.

Lead author Cassandra Gould van Praag, PhD, a research fellow at the University of Sussex, said the study's findings might have real-world impacts—especially for people with high-stress levels. "I would definitely recommend a walk in natural surroundings to anyone, whether they're currently feeling frazzled or not," Gould van Praag told Health via email. Participants also performed a task to measure their attention and reaction time during each soundscape. However, while reading before bed can be relaxing, it may be best to avoid actually reading in bed.

For those of you with minds that run a hundred miles each night, this show is designed to slow down your thoughts and reset your mind. Sleep Whispers tells everything from various histories to recipes in hushed whispers, which has been shown to help adults sleep. What you do before bed is just as important as what you do on it.